What is a template, and why do you need it? This is a common question. Mainly, a template is just a blank file you launch in your notation program. While this seems unspectacular, this file is very powerful because it understands how your Virtual Drumline instruments are mapped.What does that mean? Well, percussion mapping is an important concept to understand when using notation programs. Here’s an example. Let’s say your VDL snare drum sounds a right-handed strike by entering a G#, and it plays a left-haned strike by entering an F#. Naturally, you don’t want your snare music to appear on two lines (or with sharps). Using percussion mapping, your notation program will play those F# and G# notes so you’ll hear the right-to-left playback (or rim shots, buzzes, rim clicks, press strokes, stick clicks, or countless other options!), but they’ll display on the score as a typical one-lined snare part with suitable noteheads.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT TEMPLATE PHASE-OUT
As of May 16, 2011, we are no longer developing or selling VDL templates that were previously offered for sale. We are counting on third-party developers to carry the torch on developing, implementing, and supporting these types of products. Why have we discontinued these? Please read this announcement. For a listing of developers currently offering VDL templates for Sibelius or Finale, please see our “Our Friends” page.
FINALE
SIBELIUS
